The main responsibilities of this organization are as follows:
1.Outline objectives and develop guidelines for all levels of fisheries research and training in the country
2.Conduct research on different species (animals and plants) in various aquatic ecosystems
3.Stock assessment, outline suitable time and place for responsible fisheries .
4.Research on fishing gear and fishing vessels .
5.Basic and applied biotechnological research .
6.Develop applied research on aquaculture
7.Feasibility studies on the possibility of introducing exotic species in aquatic ecosystem .
8.Develop research to enhance conservation and sustainable use, stock management and utilization of aquatic stocks (within and outside the territorial waters of the I.R. of Iran)
9.Rehabilitation of commercial aquatic stocks and outline place and time of fish fingerling release and other aquatic species
10.Study pollution load in water basins within the Iranian territorial and its effects on aquatic habitats
11.Research on nutrition, health and diseases in aquatic organisms
12.Research on processing technology and manufacture new fishery products
13.Research on fishery structures related to aquaculture and fishing
14.Research on inbreeding race improvement and conservation of gene pool
15.Study social and economic sectors of fisheries
16.Collaborate in fishery research projects at the national, regional and international levels and provide technical assistance to other countries in the region based on the policies of the I.R. of Iran
17.Research on environmental factors of aquatic organisms, record variations in fishery statistics and compare them with international standards.
18.Plan and conduct training courses, seminars and workshops related to different aspects of fisheries
19.Transfer scientific, technical and research data and findings to the fishery executive department to provide develop extension activities in the three economic sector of the country (public, cooperative and private)
20.Exchange scientific data, organize and participate in national regional and international conferences, sending experts to research centers and universities in the country and overseas.
21.Collect and analyze data and create data bank
22.Set up specialized research and stations in regions under study
23.Conduct research activities approved by the Board of Directors within the operational framework of the organization.